Composting 101
Composting
Shifting our habits & finding new ways to reduce our waste & carbon footprint is a multi-step & exciting process! Composting is an easy & efficient way to transform your kitchen scraps, grass clippings & leaves into black gold- a nutrient-rich soil enhancer! Once you get the hang of composting, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner!
Benefits of composting
Reduces food/kitchen waste (& smelly garbage!)
Enriches soil, helping retain moisture & suppress plant diseases & pests.
Creates a rich natural nutrient-filled fertilizer that replaces harmful chemical fertilizers & contributes to healthier, fuller vegetable & flower gardens.
Reduces methane emissions from landfills, helps tackle global warming & lowers your carbon footprint. If everyone in the United States composted all of their food waste, the impact would be equivalent to removing 7.8 million cars from the road. Composting could reduce the amount of trash sent to landfills & incinerators in the U.S. by at least 30 percent.
What is compostable?
A good general rule of thumb: If it comes from the ground, it’s probably compostable. That includes veggies, fruit scraps & grains (like stale bread, cereal, pasta, etc.), coffee grounds & filters, herbs, spices, nuts, egg shells, leaves & plant trimmings. Another good rule of thumb: Avoid composting animal products. Things like butter, meat, animal fat & dairy products are not good things to compost. See this link for 100 things you can compost & keep out of the landfill!
How does composting work?
The composting process begins when you gather organic waste in a bin, ideally in a flat, well-drained, & sunny location where the pile can remain warm & moist. For optimal results, layer twigs (for drainage and aeration) with leaves & fruit & vegetable scraps. A good rule of thumb is to evenly layer browns (dried leaves, straw, shredded brown paper bags) with greens (garden & kitchen waste, veggies, fruit, egg shells). Mix/turn your compost at least once a week to help break down the organic materials. Turning the pile frequently allows more oxygen to the microorganisms that are creating your compost, which in turn accelerates decomposition. Aerating it every couple of days will create compost faster than aerating it weekly. Water the pile in dry weather to keep it damp, but not soggy. On average, it takes about four to six months for full decomposition. You will know the compost is ready to use when it is dark brown, crumbly texture & smells like soil.
How can I use compost?
Compost is an ideal replacement for chemical fertilizers, & you can use it in any case where you would use fertilizer. Sprinkle it on your lawn a few times a year. Mix it with vegetable garden & flower bed soil. Add it as a top dressing when transplanting trees or shrubs.
What do I need to compost?
1.-A container to keep on your kitchen counter to collect all your (non-animal) food waste. A quick google search will give you many choices of vessels. In the past, I have used an antique lidded enamel bucket, but recently made an investment of $25 for a stainless steel container that has charcoal filters that help keep down the odor. I love this one & recommend it!
2.-Next you’ll need an outside bin, receptacle or pile to layer your greens & browns. We have an “Earth Machine” bin that has a lockable lid & a door at the bottom to pull out the finished compost. It has worked super well for us. There are many compost bins on the market, but here is an article on how to make your compost bin from old pallets.
3.- A spade or pitchfork is needed to turn & mix the layers periodically. Keep it by your compost bin & give it a stir at least once a week.
There are a slew of resources on-line to help you with any challenges you come upon. I am hopeful that municipalities will begin to compost soon.
Hopefully you will embark on home composting & find it relatively easy & rewarding.
Information from:
https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
https://www.gardeningchannel.com/composting-101/#comment-40553
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AMNCYNQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://mashable.com/article/beginners-guide-to-composting/
https://uspirg.org/reports/usp/composting-america
https://www.natureswayresources.com/DocsPdfs/blackgold.pdf
https://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/100-things-you-can-compost
Counter top stainless steel compost bin
Add kitchen scraps (non-animal only other than egg shells)
My Earth Machine has a lockable lid & bottom door to pull out finished compost
Layer the greens & browns in your compost bin or pile. We keep a pile of dry leaves nearby.
Stir weekly with a pitchfork or spade.
Use finished compost on your garden or lawn